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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Reports linking James Allison to Honda untrue : McLaren

James Allison has been in the news for the last few weeks, ever since he quit Lotus F1 and embarked on his gardening leave. Initial reports linked him with a move to Ferrari or Red Bull, which could be preparing for Adrian Newey's retirement, but the latest bit of news showed light on a prospect of him working with Formula 1 returnee's Honda.

A Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat, claimed yesterday that Allison's next destination could be Honda, who are returning in 2015 as a works partner with McLaren.The report suggested that the Briton would start working with Honda in 2014 as he is still under contract with Lotus until the end of this year. This would allow Honda to develop and run its 1.6 litre V6 power unit in a test car, with tests likely to take place at Suzuka and Motegi.

Honda would need to do quite a bit of testing, all through next year, as all the other engine manufacturers will be getting data during preseason tests and all the 20 or 21 race weekends to be held in 2014. Allison will also come in to fill in the void left by famed technical director Paddy Lowe, at McLaren.

While the Finnish correspondent Luis Vasconcelos claims that Allison will be working with Honda next year onwards, McLaren were quick to deny these reports.

Vasconcelos, in his report, said, “According to our sources, Allison has accepted the offer and will lead a small group to produce a car for the testing of Honda’s turbo engine.”